On a chilly Monday evening, the Stanley-Boyd Music Department came together for an unforgettable Spring Concert that highlighted their musical and vocal talents. The Middle and High School Band and Choir concert was filled with proud parents, teachers, and community members who came to enjoy the students’ musical talents. The event featured a variety of performances that highlighted the choir’s range and skill. The choirs, directed by the talented Director of Choirs Louella Derrico, filled the auditorium with beautiful harmonies. The high school choir performed an impressive assortment of songs that included, ‘Ave Verum’ by Wolfgang Mozart and the nostalgic ‘Calling My Children Home’ by Doyle Lawson, Charles Waller, and Robert Yates. The middle school choir displayed their blossoming talent with a selection of cheerful and spirited songs, such as ‘Sisi Kushangilia’ by Victor Johnson and ‘Your Song’ by Mark Burrows that featured soloists Morgan Gundlach and Lily Lewallen while the young 5th grade Band performed the aptly named ‘Great Beginnings’ by Michael Kamuf. The Middle School Band which featured instruments like flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, French horns, euphoniums, and percussion, delighted the audience with songs like ‘Nightsong’ by Richard Saucedo and the fun and lively ‘Squirrel Chase’ by Carol Brittin Chambers. The High School Band masterfully played, “At the Strongholds of En Gedi’ by David Holsinger and ‘Alamo’ by Karl L. King.
A particularly moving moment came when thirteen senior choir and band members were invited to the stage to be recognized individually for their dedication and hard work. The seniors, many of whom have been part of the choir and band programs since middle school, have spent countless hours rehearsing, performing, and perfecting their craft. Their commitment to the arts was applauded by their peers and teary-eyed family members as the crowd acknowledged the dedication, effort, and talent that each student has brought to the stage for their musical careers. Derrico and Devon Wenndt, Director of Bands, proudly celebrated the achievements of senior band and choir members. “It’s been such a pleasure to have this group of seniors,” Derrico said as she reminded them that they will always have a home in the Stanley-Boyd Music Department. “Thank you for all of your time and dedication to our program.”
Wenndt encouraged concertgoers to keep in mind the upcoming musical opportunities for both Middle School and High School students. The Middle School and High School Solo and Ensemble performances are scheduled for April 5th at Fall Creek High School, with the State Solo and Ensemble competition taking place on May 3rd at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Additionally, the Middle and High School Choir Large Group Festival will be held on April 10th at Edgar High School, while the Middle and High School Band Large Group Festival will take place the same day at Marathon High School. To cap off the season, a Choir-hosted Variety Show will be held on May 18th at 2 P.M.
For those who attended the March 24th Stanley-Boyd Spring Concert, it is clear that the music program at Stanley-Boyd Middle and High School continues to inspire and cultivate young talent, creating a legacy of excellence that will resonate for years to come.